Recent discussions have brought to light the complexities and delays surrounding negotiations for peace in Gaza. A negotiator has revealed that a potential deal involving Israel and Hamas was offered a year ago, but was not pursued at that time. This sentiment is echoed by Israeli sources, who suggest that a year-old ceasefire plan paved the way for the current situation. Analysts point to missed opportunities for a hostage deal and a ceasefire that could have been realized months earlier, raising questions about why it took so long to address the ongoing conflict. Former Israeli hostage negotiators have described the peace process in the Middle East as ‘unpredictable’, while some academics argue that Hamas’s focus on retaining weapons has provided Israel with justification to continue military operations in Gaza. Overall, the situation remains complex, with various missed chances influencing current dynamics.